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Banner text "Hollow-to-Hem What is it?" with tagline, "we size up glamour" on black background.

At Sydney’s Closet, we love getting questions from customers seeking advice. One that has to be among the top questions we get asked is "What does 'Hollow-to-Hem' mean?" Here we will answer that question and list our standard hollow-to-hem measurements for each dress length which is consistent across all our brands — Sydney’s Closet, Celebrations by Sydney’s Closet, Michelle Bridal by Sydney's Closet, Tease Prom by Sydney's Closet, and Johnathan Kayne for Sydney’s Closet.

2oman wearing different length dresses with measurement labels from the nape of their necks to the hem of the dress (the Hallow-to-Hem) against a white background.

What is Hollow-to-Hem?

The best way to understand "hollow-to-hem" (HTH) is to think of it as a guide to how long the dress will be when you put it on your body.

It's really very simple. Hollow-to-hem is the length from the hollow at the base of the front of your neck (the depression or indentation between your collarbones) to the bottom edge of the dress, also called the hem.


Understanding the hollow-to-hem of your dress is an important part of finding the right fit. It helps you estimate where the hem will fall on your body, whether alterations may be needed, and how to plan the rest of your look from shoes to accessories.

As a general rule, here's the standard hollow-to-hem measurement we use when we design special occasion dresses for Sydney's Closet:

  • Mini: 35"
  • Above Knee-Length: 37"
  • Knee-Length: 39"
  • Below Knee-Length: 41"
  • Midi: 44"
  • Tea: 46"
  • Maxi/Ankle-Length: 55"
  • Floor-Length: 61"

Expert Tips

  • The length of the dress varies depending on your height, the length of your torso and of course, how high a heel you wear (or if you wear any heel at all).
  • It's always best to let a professional seamstress take your hollow-to-hem measurement. It's too tricky to try to take that measurement on your own.
  • It is helpful to wear shoes with a heel height similar to the ones you plan to wear with your dress when taking your HTH measurement.
  • HTH measurements for each Sydney's Closet style can be found in the "Details You'll Love" section of every product page.

Common Hollow-to-Hem Questions

How do I know where the dress is supposed to hit?

Hollow-to-hem tells you the overall length of a dress, but every style is designed to fall differently. Our Dress Length Guide explains where common dress lengths like mini, tea-length, midi, and floor-length are intended to hit.

Does hollow-to-hem include the train?

No. Hollow-to-hem measures to the front hem of the dress and does not include the train. If a dress has a train, it extends beyond the listed hollow-to-hem measurement. If a dress has a train the train length will be listed separately in the "Details You'll Love" section of the product page.

What if my dress is too long?

Most dresses can be hemmed by a professional tailor or seamstress to achieve your preferred length. Knowing your hollow-to-hem measurement before you order can also help you anticipate whether alterations may be needed.

Does the fabric or hem detailing change the hollow-to-hem measurement?

No. Fabric and hem details don't affect the hollow-to-hem measurement. Whether your dress is made of satin, tulle, lace, or another fabric, or features decorative hem details like eyelash trim, the measurement is always taken to the bottom edge of the longest layer at the front of the dress.

Does the neckline affect the hollow-to-hem measurement?

No. Hollow-to-hem is always measured from the same starting point (the hollow at the base of your neck) regardless of the dress's neckline. Whether the dress has a sweetheart, V-neck, scoop, halter, or off-the-shoulder neckline, the measurement is taken the same way.

Should I wear shoes when taking my hollow-to-hem measurement?

Yes, if possible. Wear shoes with a heel height similar to the ones you'd plan to wear with the dress. This helps ensure your measurement reflects how the dress will fit on your special day.

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